THE DICTATOR (2012)

THE DICTATOR is a satirical comedy in which Sacha Baron Cohen plays the unpopular dictator of an imaginary middle-eastern country who travels to the USA. The film was classified '15' for strong language and sex references.

The film contains several uses of strong language, which exceeds the infrequent use of strong language permitted by the BBFC's Guidelines at '12A'/'12' but is allowable at '15' where the Guidelines state 'There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, 'fuck')'.

There are frequent strong sex references, both verbal and visual. In one scene, the lead character is taught how to masturbate and appears to do so vigorously, indicated by the rapid movement of his arm. He subsequently brandishes sticky tissues. In another scene, the dictator offers to help a woman in labour and positions himself as if to rape her, before remembering this is inappropriate behaviour. These and similar references exceed the level that is permissible at '12' but accord with the terms of the Guidelines at '15' which state 'Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour'. Although some of the references are potentially offensive, they occur in the context of a satirical film in which the main character and his attitudes are challenged and ridiculed.

The film also contains racial stereotyping and racist language but the film as a whole does not condone such language or behaviour.